The Bologna Performing Arts Center will host an “Orff Workshop” for ages 9-11, as part of the Juliet Kossman ArtsPass Series on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. – noon inside Zeigel Hall on the campus of Delta State University.

Orff instruments are xylophone type instruments played with mallets using whole tone or diatonic scales and are used to play melodies or provide accompaniment to traditional folk songs. Orff instruments expose students to the joy and skills of reading and making music.

Prior exposure to playing a musical instrument is encouraged but not required. Andrea and Joseph Coleman, both Delta State alums, will be spearheading the workshop.

Andrea earned her bachelor’s of music education (1987) and master’s of music education with a vocal emphasis in 1989. She has completed Level I – III orff certification with a master’s certificate and Level 1 kodaly training. The 1999 recipient of the Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year given by the Mississippi Music Educators Association, she serves on the board of MMEA as editor of the MMEA Journal and Past-President of the Elementary Division. She is also a board member/soloist with the Jackson Choral Society and the current president of the state’s orff chapter.

Husband, Joseph earned his bachelor’s of music education with a vocal emphasis in 1987. He has been teaching general music for the elementary classroom and/or choral music for the past 16 years. His expertise is in working with elementary children teaching singing, recorder, dancing, and playing of barred instruments.

Now in his sixth year at St. Richard Catholic School teaching Pre- Kindergarten – sixth grade, he, too, has completed Level I – III orff certification with a master’s certificate and Level 1 of kodaly. He is also the accompanist for the Cantabile Youth Chorale, and has also served as the accompanist for the Elementary All-State Honor Choir. He is currently a board member of the Jackson Choral Society and the state’s orff chapter.

For more information or to sign your child up for this free class, please call the BPAC at (662) 846-4844.